Jan 31 2024 47 mins
In this episode of JobsPikr’s Podcast: Future of Work, Prashant Gupta & Nandita Krishan discuss the Global Perspectives on DEI: How DEI Initiatives Vary Across Different Regions and Cultures. Nandita Krishan, Assistant Vice President at Arthan, discusses how DEI initiatives have evolved over time due to changing societal attitudes, legal frameworks, and a growing recognition of the importance of embracing diversity and fostering equitable and inclusive environments.
DEI has been prevailing globally since the pre-20th century, with social justice movements like women's suffrage advocating for equal rights. As multiculturalism became popular, organizations began to establish formal diversity programs and policies to promote inclusion in the workplace. However, the evolution of DEI initiatives has now expanded beyond gender, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQ+ Spectrum, and intersectionality.
Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social categorizations, such as race, gender, disability, and cost, and acknowledges that individuals are a sum total of these overlapping identities. The evolution of DEI initiatives reflects a growing understanding of the multifaceted nature of diversity and the need for sustained efforts to create equitable and inclusive societies and workplaces globally.
Nandita Krishan also discusses the challenges companies face when trying to implement standardized processes or initiatives around DEI, as they have to deal with various employees, talent, and locations. Companies must come up with their priorities and approaches differently across regions and cultures, as they have to deal with different historical social and cultural contexts.
In conclusion, DEI initiatives have evolved over time, reflecting changing societal attitudes, legal frameworks, and the need for sustained efforts to create equitable and inclusive societies and workplaces.